‘It’s a matter of court’
Releasing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on parole is a matter of the court, said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday.
"It's a matter of the court. She [Khaleda] is in jail in corruption cases. The government would have considered releasing her if it was a political case," he told reporters at Awami League president's political office in Dhanmondi, reports UNB.
Parole is a conditional release of an inmate before completion of the sentence.
Quader said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asked him over phone to inform Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina about Khaleda's release on parole.
"He [Fakhrul] called me and requested to place the issue before the prime minister. I've discussed it with the home and law ministers. They didn't receive any application in this regard," Quader said.
The minister also urged BNP to shun negativity and avoid politics of conflict, violence and revenge. If they do so, Quader said, public support for BNP will increase, reports BSS.
Replying to a query, he said the graft case against the BNP chief was filed during the caretaker government. So, the case is not political and the government has nothing to do with it.
He, however, told journalist that the government is providing better treatment to Begum Zia as they are quite sincere about it.
Quader said the statement made by BNP leaders about Khaleda's health condition did not match the report provided by physicians.
Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister, has been in jail since February 8, 2018. She was convicted in two corruption cases. Her party insists that the cases are politically motivated but the government denies the charges.
Quader said that if BNP decides to apply for parole, they should mention why they are seeking it.
Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organizing Secretaries SM Kamal Hossen and Advocate Afzal Hossen, Publicity Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap, Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua and Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan, among others, attended the conference.
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